The Goliath's Last Stand

As Gary sat in his chair in the secure room waiting for the smugglers to make their move, his mind drifted back to an encounter that
wasn't in his personnel file, had been classified by the Admiral of Intelligence and one none of the Elysium crew knew about. Not Lia,
Not Phoenix or Liselle or Matias. It was his first encounter with Romulans (before the Solstice ) and molded him into the officer he was
today. He had been a young Lieutenant jg, assigned because of his ability in tactics and codes. He was stationed at tactical.

*Years earlier*

The Goliath's Last Stand

OOC: Neutral Zone

Seconds stretched into minutes and minutes stretched into hours as the
Goliath waited silent and cloaked for it's sister ship the Lincoln. Though it was
itself silent, the Goliath was listening for any sign that the Lincoln was headed back to
safety and home. The tension on the bridge was undeniable, so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Suddenly there was a sign! Long range sensors had picked up the Lincoln as she dashed for the border. A pack of Romulan
warbirds in hot pursuit. "Time for us to make our presence known." Captain Trent whispered. "Red Alert." He announced, "Keep
us cloaked until I say otherwise." He told Gary.

The bridge lights dimmed to red, casting the bridge in a eerie red tinged glow. The main screen was
soon filled with the Lincoln's running battle with the Romulans.

"Computer. Play Holding out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler at my
command." Trip spoke to the computer. Then standing he looked at the bridge crew while what
he said next was piped throughout the ship. "We're about to engage the Romulans to protect
the Lincoln. We may not survive the upcoming battle but never let it be said we shied
away from our duty. It is has been honor and a privilege to serve with you all."

The Lincoln grew in size as it drew closer. it was taking a pounding but giving as good as it got. "Drop us behind the Lincoln, lets
give the Romulans a real game." With a nod to Gary, Trent snapped "Drop the cloak." As the cloak was dropped the Goliath materialized
out of the inky blackness of space, an avenging angel to wreck vengeance with it's foes.

Then to the computer, "Begin playing. Pipe it to the Lincoln as well as Romulans. Let them know The cavalry is here."
Soon the strains of the 20th century song could be heard.

"Where have all the good men gone. And where are all the gods?
Where's the street wise Hercules to fight
the rising odds? Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?"
Static filled the speakers and the song faded
for a moment before coming back. "..... I need a hero."

As if in reply the Goliath spewed forth a truly awe inspiring and deadly volley from it's phasers as well as it's
torpedo bays. Gary's fingers flew over the console. His pulse racing as he struggled to maintain his composure. The space around
her exploded in a vivid display of explosions. The Goliath's weapons finding their mark. She darted and weaved like an angry wasp
barely dodging enemy salvos while it lashed out with unmatched fury. Striking ship after Romulan ship.

"Open a channel to the Lincoln." Trent barked, at a nod from a bridge officer he spoke. "Goliath to Lincoln.
Head for home. This our fight now. Don't argue! Go!" Gary remembered the pride he had in his captain and his crewmates.
Willing to sacrifice themselves to protect another Starfleet vessel. He thought, this was the type of Captain he wanted to be
if the opportunity ever presented itself. Bold, decisive. One the crew would follow into hell and back.

He remembered that both the Lincoln and the Goliath made back home battered and bruised but safe, the mission was success but because
if it's very nature no medals would or could be awarded. They just got the heartfelt thanks of Starfleet Command. Gary himself had received a personal thanks from the Admiral of Intelligence. The mission had been classified top secret.

His mind came back to the present as a deck of cards hit the table. Would this upcoming mission be the same way? He didn't know, he just hoped he was ready for whatever it brought.